Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I echo the comments of Senators McDowell and Bacik on the Israeli election today. There is no doubt that they both are fully correct and it is vital that we enact the Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill 2018. We will all watch the results of the Israeli election this evening. No matter what happens or who wins, it is vital that the international community stands up and says enough is enough. We cannot accept these promises to annex Palestine. It is utterly wrong and illegal and amounts to a war crime. I thank the Senators for their comments today.

On behalf of the Seanad Civil Engagement group, and I imagine on behalf of the wider Chamber, I express my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Sally O'Neill, who sadly passed away in Guatemala this week. Listening to the testimony on the radio and throughout the country today, one can clearly see that she was an incredible woman who embodied the values of Trócaire as a courageous, passionate advocate for human rights, dignity and social justice all over the world. She dedicated her life to improving the lives of others, working alongside poor or marginalised communities, particularly in Central America.Even in Dublin, the staff in my office were speaking this morning about her role highlighting human rights abuses in El Salvador in the 1980s alongside President Higgins, who was a Deputy at the time, and some of Trócaire's current, brilliant staff who are passionate advocates for human rights. They spoke about how she took them under her wing when they first started with the organisation. She gave them the self-belief and confidence to pursue years of human rights work. I want to recognise this wonderful woman in the House. She had a remarkable, generous and inspirational life and I express my sincere condolences to her family, friends and all of her colleagues at Trócaire.